Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  perfect truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By shawnwat - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD 3.4L V-6 5 speed is a wonderful truck. It performs great in 4 wheel drive, from the snow to the beach to mud trails. Its 190 hp has more than enough zip to it. I plan on having this truck for a long time.

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  I tried it, and I liked it alot... - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jocko Em - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2002 Corolla and drove it on a 1000 mile vacation trip. It was fantastic. No road fatigue and cruise control got us home in great time. After 2 years, we traded this car in on a 2004 Corolla and all I can say is great handling, great ride, great power, great service and great reliability and looks. The steering is nice and tight, even on the 2002 after 37000 miles, the steering was as good as the day we bought the car. We also got a good trade for our 2002. Buy it, youll like it...

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Alex Mullins - March 4 - 11:40 pm

  Purchased in Canada, this van is great in snow. After 44 months and 195000 km, this vehicle has had only routine maintenance. We love the ride, the room for luggage, great highway vehicle, smooth ride, short turning radius, excellent sound system. Only regret is not getting the XLE. I can think of nothing negative to say about this vehicle. Just replaced the timing belt, water pump and plugs at 185000 km and it runs like new again. Local Toyota dealer wanted $900 plus for that work but i had it completed by a trusted small town mechanic for $560. Am on third set of Michelin all-weather tires. Had my first alignment and the vehicle runs smooth as glass. Averaging 25.4 miles hwy and city.

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  The best yet - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Craig - March 4 - 10:53 pm

  This is the best SUV out there! When you compare the total package and build quality against the rest 4Runner is miles ahead. If you want power the new V8 is fantastic. Smooth and quite at any speed. The materials are first rate throughout. The only drawback Ive found is its a bit pricey. On the other hand you really get what you pay for here. Ive had more expensive cars than this one but none better. I love driving it and it will go places the driver wont go. Had a major snowstorm and with 10" deep this SUV didnt even breath hard. I like options so I went with the ltd but any model will do. You cant go wrong with the new 4Runner...

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  Poor Navigation System - 2009 Toyota 4Runner
  By Liz M. - March 4 - 11:33 am

  Have had a 1999 4-Runner and needed a new one for the family. Although the vehicle is solidly built and I cant complain about performance, the Navigation System, in word, stinks! Why cant my pax input addresses and/or change addresses on the fly? How inconvenient is it to have to come to a full stop in order to utilize the navigation system? We have a garmin for our other 4-Runner and we have no complaints. I wish I could install the garmin in our 2009 vehicle. For being a Japanese made vehicle, the Navigation System is counter- intuitive. It is absolutely, positively horrible. Moreover, it is not user friendly like our Garmin. We would not have paid for this feature had we known...

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD06 - March 4 - 10:46 am

  I have had my truck for just about a month now, and I love to drive it. We took it on a trip to NJ and got 20 mpg. Not bad for a pickup.

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  Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By JBarlo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Our Avalon has 27000 miles. Its a great car. Plenty of room, great back seat, and a huge trunk. Plenty of power, and good on gas. Rides very smooth. Only had 2 problems. Breaks pulsating. Which is common for Avalons. And wood grain lifting from summer heat. Wish the outside looked as good as the inside. You get a lot of car for the money. But dont be fooled. It is not a Lexus. It doesnt ride like one or handle like one. Test drive the Volvos and Audis then compare the Avalon. Youll see the Avalon is a much better.

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  After two years with Avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Edward - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 97 Avalon XL (bench front seat) two years ago and I really enjoying this car. Previously I owned Nissan Maxima, Lincoln Mark VII, BMW 528 and Lincoln Towncar but none of these cars made to 80000 miles without ANY problems. What I like the most about Avalon its RELAIBLE, its big, quiet and comfortable. The only thing I don’t like in this car is design of radio and CD changer (Not dashboard). I would recommend this car to anybody who is looking for passenger car.

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  Toyota Celica GTS - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By BBolick - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend buying the GT-S version. It has more pep and great to drive. The GT version is good for the slower driver in mind.

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  RAV4 Review - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By raleda - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I get lots of compliments on the way it looks. One of my friends knows that when we go off together, I automatically hand her the keys. Ive had no mechanical problems, and Im pleased with the way its held its value. The leg room in the back seat is definitely limited, though. It seems to be designed for a single, a couple or a young family. I do wish it had a little more power.